she likes things to do in Newport, RI
The more I travel, the more I come to appreciate regional vacations. Wherever you may live, I can bet you are all but a few hour radius from quaint destinations to discover and explore, without ever having to hop on a plane. And if you are from the Northeast, I can guarantee from experience that you’re seated in the perfect location to having it all, beaches, mountains, all four seasons, high-end restaurants and more.
Although an Upstate NY native, having family in Connecticut has made exploring New England’s hidden gems and sought out vacation areas a fun adventure. The more I discover the more I want to see! Newport, Rhode Island made the list this summer, and I already can’t wait to go back. Whether you’re looking for upscale dining and the finest cold cocktails, or family friendly beaches and seafood dives even the kids will enjoy, you can find it all. I’ve compiled some of my favorites that fit whatever your scene is!
Things to do:
We spent 2 days in Newport and didn’t come close to seeing all it had to offer. Every restaurant, shop and attraction was an awesome experience, and we turned down a lot of other awesome reviewed spots we have marked for next time. There truly is something for everyone.
The Cliff Walk - This 3.5 mile one way National Recreational Trail is a must while visiting. Combining the natural beauty of the rocky shoreline and grand RI mansions, you will have breathtaking sights at every step. The whole walk takes about 2 hours to complete, so if you have little ones that might not enjoy the full walk, you’re able to turn around at any point and finish your walk at your leisure.
2. Easton’s Beach - This is the beach we hung out at for a few hours our first day. There is a parking lot you can pay to park at that is right up to the beach. I advise to pay the small charge of $25 for a full day (on weekends) so you don’t have to haul your beach gear far and enjoy the convenience of not having to walk! Alcohol isn’t allowed on this public beach, so it is family friendly and a good mix of demographics enjoying the salty waves. This beach is also just a short walk from The Cliff Walk, so a good two for one activity when parking. Don’t forget or grab a Del’s Lemonade in the parking lot to enjoy!
3. Scooter World - This was easily the most memorable part of the trip. After parking our vehicle for the day (you can navigate most of downtown by foot), and seeing the amount of tourists buzzing around on these scooters, we knew it was our best shot to seeing The Breakers, and other grand cottages located around the shoreline in a quick and easy way. We rented from Scooter World right in Newport. We found it to be affordable for the few hours we planned on renting, and the perfect way to zip through downtown and see more scenic coastal routes.
4. Tennis Hall of Fame - I was worried my lack of connection to the sport might prohibit me from appreciating this visit. But I was wrong! Upon entering the complex I felt like I was going back in time and entering a different century. They have done a wonderful job of maintaining original characteristics. Here you can enjoy the museum displaying original attire, awards, racquets, as well as an indoor and outdoor grass court.
5. Downtown Boutique Shopping - Hang on to your wallets, Newport has a wide variety of shops to enjoy when strolling through downtown. From high-end clothing retailers to shops that will provide the whole family with their Newport souvenir tee and ball cap, you can fully embrace the culture and style that Rhode Islanders sport on the daily. I stumbled upon one boutique, Malibu Friday, that I instantly fell in love with… and have the receipt to show just how much I loved it! Affordably priced and hand-picked styles, they thankfully have a website I can continue to shop with them online!
Food & Drinks:
I am almost positive I was part crustacean by the end of this trip with all the seafood I consumed. It was delightful, fresh, and a true representation of East Coast’s quality!
1. Flo’s Clam Shack - Fresh. Local. Legendary. This was easily the best meal of the trip. If you’re looking for FRESH seafood with an authentic fisherman’s ambiance, Flo’s Clam Shack needs to be on your list. We walked the few minutes from Easton’s Beach and sat on the rooftop with an ocean view while we sipped on their famous Blueberry Vodka Lemonades. We did a full feast of fried haddock, calamari, shrimp, whole belly clams, lobster rolls and clam chowder. We took a heavy takeout box home of our leftovers — you get your money’s worth!
2. Benjamin’s - We swung into this Scottish pub mid-day for a quick pick me up. And well let’s be honest, the happy hour oyster special caught our eye. They hand shuck oysters, clams, and lobsters right at the bar so you know it’s served fresh. The open window spaces heighten the downtown fun and costal feel. The oysters were deliciously flavorful and paired perfectly with my glass of Prosecco!
3. Castle Hill - Drinks with a view! When you come to Newport you have to visit Castle Hill. If you plan to dine, make a reservation and budget in advance, but the food and gorgeous experience is worth it. We could easily park our moped and pop in for drinks from the outdoor bar overlooking the water and sailboats.
4. 41 North - We unexpectantly found this bar while waiting for our moped rental, and it ended up being a favorite. Right on the water, marble countertops and a bustling bar, this was a perfect spot for a quick drink and an app. The espresso martinis and aperol spritz were both favorites of mine!
5. The Clarke Cooke House - This was the quintessential New England experience. Right on the water with open window spaces, you truly feel the essence of historic Rhode Island. If you’re a fan of crisp, fresh cocktails, the Newport Water is a must try. For my meal I had a divine cold lobster salad with creamy avocado and sweet corn, with steamy fresh mussels to start!
